7 Things to Know About Living in Haymarket, VA | ColganTeam.com

Nestled in the heart of Northern Virginia, Haymarket is a charming town that perfectly blends small-town charm with modern convenience. Originally known as "Crossroads" in the 1700s, this historic community has evolved into one of the region's most desirable places to live. Whether you're considering a move or just curious about this growing area, here are seven essential things you need to know about living in Haymarket, Virginia.

1. Prime Location with Excellent Connectivity

Nestled on the outer edge of Northern Virginia, Haymarket offers an ideal location. You have direct access to Interstate 66, which can take you east to Washington D.C. (about 27 miles away) or west towards the beautiful wineries and breweries of Front Royal. This strategic positioning makes Haymarket particularly attractive to commuters who work in the D.C. metro area but prefer a quieter, more affordable lifestyle.

Lynch explains that the area is popular among commuters, with many government workers working in Northern Virginia and DC and living in Haymarket. Washington Street, which turns into Route 55, is also a popular thoroughfare for drivers heading to Gainesville, just southeast. "It's very accessible to Route 29, I-66 and Route 15, all major commuter routes," Lynch says.

Navigating the Northern Virginia real estate market requires deep local knowledge, especially in a rapidly growing area like Haymarket. You need an agent who understands the nuances of each neighborhood, from highway noise to homeowner association rules. For expert insights into Haymarket's neighborhoods and current market conditions, ColganTeam.com offers comprehensive resources and local expertise from agents who live and work in the community.

2. Booming Real Estate Market with Diverse Housing Options

Haymarket's real estate market is experiencing significant growth, driven by the area's appeal and strategic location. The median home list price in Haymarket was $799,999 in May 2025, down 11.1% from the previous month, and the median price per square foot was $264. This represents substantial value compared to closer-in Northern Virginia communities.

Housing in Haymarket is a mix of single-family homes in planned communities, condos and townhouses, many of which have been built within the last 10 years as the area quickly develops. Three-bedroom townhouses go for between $550,000 and $700,000, while brick contemporary and Colonial-style homes go for between $700,000 and $1 million.

The area offers something for everyone, from first-time homebuyers to luxury home seekers. Whether you're looking for a townhome, a single-family house, or an active adult community, Haymarket has something for everyone. Notable communities include Dominion Valley Country Club, where townhomes start around $800,000, with single-family homes beginning at $1 million, and more affordable options like Crossroads Village & Heathco Commons, with prices ranging from the mid-$400s to the $600s.

3. Exceptional Schools and Family-Friendly Environment

Education is a top priority for families considering Haymarket, and the area delivers with quality schools. The Prince William County school system contains 62 elementary schools, 15 middle schools, and 10 public high schools, making it the second largest public schools system in Virginia (Fairfax is #1 in number of pupils).

What sets the school system apart is its commitment to manageable class sizes and specialized programs. The total enrollment for the PWCS exceeds 75,000 students yet the average class sizes remain around 20. The school system grows in proportion to the needs of the county and the 11th high school is now under construction.

Many parents are concerned about whether or not the school district has special programs for gifted students. The PWCS takes their gifted student programs very seriously. This starts in kindergarten with special attention given to those determined to be potentially gifted. After the third grade gifted students begin receiving additional services in a school based program or in a gifted education center.

The family-friendly atmosphere extends beyond schools, with Haymarket boasting a violent crime rate 65% lower than the national average.

4. A Perfect Blend of Historic Charm and Modern Amenities

First chartered in 1799, Haymarket is a time-honored pastoral spot in Virginia's Piedmont Region. Originally known as Crossroads, the area served as a regional hub for generations before it burned to the ground during the Civil War. Since then, Haymarket has rebuilt itself into a community that maintains its history and embraces modernity.

Residents driving along Washington Street find longstanding, locally owned businesses in historic buildings that transition to chain restaurants like Chick-fil-A and McDonald's as they continue along the main thoroughfare. "It's a combination of then and now," Lynch says.

The town successfully balances preservation of its heritage with modern convenience. Along Washington and Fayette streets, some historic houses and sites remain, including the Haymarket Museum, originally the town hall. St. Paul's Episcopal Church — the original site of the district courthouse for Fairfax, Fauquier, Loudoun, and Prince William counties and one of the few buildings that survived the town's burning in the Civil War — maintains an active parish in its circa-1800s building.

5. Thriving Community Events and Local Culture

Haymarket takes community seriously, hosting events that bring residents together and celebrate local culture. Haymarket Day is the Town's biggest event of the year! Attended by over 25,000 spectators and 200 vendors. Enjoy a home town street festival including: parade featuring local schools, performers, and law enforcement, led by the year's Grand Marshal, as well as dozens of vendors, entertainers, and culinary options. Voted the Readers' Best Annual Event by Haymarket Living for three years and counting.

Mark your calendars! Haymarket Day is returning Saturday, October 18, 2025, providing residents with a signature community celebration to look forward to each year.

Beyond the major annual event, On Sundays from April through November, the Haymarket Farmers Market has vendors selling local produce, baked goods, plants and more, fostering a strong sense of community and supporting local businesses.

6. Reasonable Cost of Living for Northern Virginia

While Northern Virginia is known for its high cost of living, Haymarket offers relative affordability without sacrificing quality of life. Haymarket, VA is a great place to live for those looking for an affordable cost of living. The median home value in the area is $517,400, which is significantly lower than surrounding areas like Fairfax County and the District of Columbia. Additionally, living expenses such as utilities, groceries, and transportation are all reasonably priced within Haymarket.

However, potential residents should consider commuting costs. Surely housing is less expensive there, but transportation is going to cost so much more that the overall cost of living may well be higher in Haymarket, particularly for those commuting daily to D.C. proper.

7. Access to Recreation and Natural Beauty

Haymarket offers abundant recreational opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking an active lifestyle. Major attractions include the Bull Run Mountain Conservancy, Silver Lake Park, The Winery at LaGrange and The Farm Brewery at Broad Run, providing residents with diverse entertainment options.

The Town of Haymarket Park has a playground and open space for events. Just west of Haymarket, Leopold's Preserve has 380 acres of forest and grassland overlooking rolling hills, streams and ponds. For those interested in winter sports, Residents can play competitive hockey, learn to figure skate or enjoy a casual skating session at Haymarket Iceplex.

The area's proximity to Virginia's wine country adds another dimension to recreational opportunities, with The Farm Brewery at Broad Run located in Haymarket and contains 6 acres of landscaped beer gardens and Brewbarn. The brewery serves a vast selection of Ales, Lagers, wines, and homemade ciders along with featured snacks and food trucks.

The Bottom Line

Haymarket, Virginia, represents an compelling option for those seeking the benefits of Northern Virginia living without the premium price tag of closer-in communities. With its strong schools, growing job market driven by the massive influx of data centers. Giants like Microsoft are investing hundreds of millions of dollars to build here, including what's slated to be the world's largest data center complex, and genuine small-town character, Haymarket offers a quality of life that appeals to families, young professionals, and retirees alike.

Whether you're drawn by the historic charm, the excellent schools, the reasonable housing costs, or the strong community spirit, Haymarket provides a foundation for building the life you want in one of America's most dynamic regions. As the area continues to grow and develop, early residents are positioned to benefit from both the community's established character and its bright future prospects.

Ready to explore living in Haymarket? The Colgan Team brings unmatched local expertise and a proven track record to help you find your perfect home in this thriving community. As lifelong Haymarket residents who have sold over $1 billion in Virginia real estate, they understand the nuances of each neighborhood and can guide you to the best opportunities in this booming market.

Contact the Colgan Team today:

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